Should I give up my dream due to a medical ailment?

Go see a doctor that issues dot physicals. You will know for sure.

 

I think it is called a waiver...if you can get your Dr. to sign one you should be able to drive as long as its signed and approved by the DOT. I rode with a fellow Viet Nam vet that had a leg prosthesis from his knee down, and he did fine. THIS WAS IN THE EARLY 80'S THOUGH...DON'T KNOW IF THE LAWS ARE THE SAME NOW.

 

They will discriminate because the hiring pool is so large and they can get away with it. That doesn't mean there is someone that won't give you a chance. Just expect some rejection.

You would need a letter from your doctor, preferably the specialist that you are fully capable of driving, climbing in and out of the truck and trailer and doing the everyday functions of a truck driver.

You can feel the situation out by getting your medical card ahead of time. Walk-in clinics are usually the cheapest, around $40. You will get a separate company paid DOT physical when you report for training. Then if you have problems with the company doctor you could present him with I passed this one so what's the difference? Be prepared for the worst and possibly sent home without a way. Some companies are dirty enough to do that.

There is all kinds of handicapped drivers driving and I don't see you having much trouble. Just be prepared for it.

Good luck!

 

A woman that I used to work with had Drop Foot also, she was in her 60's and not very active, but it healed 100% in just a few months. Good luck with your recovery I hope you are as fortunate as she was...

 

The main problem is safety. You have to remember that you will be driving 80,000 lbs. That can do some serious damage to everyone around you. Only the doctors can tell you if it is safe for the conditions that is involved in trucking. Good or bad, you cant let it upset you. Safety MUST come first and foremost. Take care and good luck.

 

Definitely get with your doctor on this. Having just gone through 7 years of back problems that resulted in similar issues (almost 5 weeks post surgical and looking like full recovery), nothing is more important that working with your doc on this. The one thing to remember is that the pedals on a semi require more pressure than the ones in your car. Since it's your right side (fuel pedal side) it's even more important to make sure your leg will be able to handle that. You are often in the seat for 11 hours a day, or close to it, and won't always be able to use cruise control either (bad weather, bad traffic, etc.) As long as you can handle the additional pressure needed by the pedals of a rig along with the climbing in and out of the truck and trailer, your doc backs you on this (no pun intended), and you can get the go ahead, you should be able to find someone to put you in the seat.

Wishing you a full recovery from the nerve damage!

 

As long as you can pass a DOT physical then there should be no reason a company wouldn't hire you. You would also have to pass a wellness exam depending on what company you go with but that shouldn't be a problem provided you pass your physical. I would assume that if you pass your DOT and a company refused to hire you that would be discrimination. As long as you can perform the task at hand and do what is expected of you and are certified by a doctor to do so then there shouldn't be a problem.